Wish List for Rome

If you follow me on Twitter, then you probably know that I am slowly preparing for my trip to Rome for May and June. I cannot wait to go, and I like it even more that I am finally getting ready for the long trip. Because I'll be there for quite a while, I'm trying to be a precise packer, which means my stress level is through the roof (my usual motto is that more is better). I've prepared two lists of two things to get... one being the list I will actually follow, and the other is the list of things that I would like to get, but will not because I'm not made of money! My wish list basically consists of some of my favorite brands, with classic pieces that are prefect for a little Italian get-away. Ovadia & Sons, L. B. M., Jack Spade, Timex, Vilebrequin, and it's not summer without Sperry Boat Shoes. My favorite item is the great L. B. M. blazer, it's the most authentic piece off the list, being cut in Italy, and the epitome of Italian chic.

Luggage Nylon Wing Duffle

L. B. M. Cotton Blazer

Ovadia & Sons Cotton Shorts with a cuff

Ovadia & Sons Navy Linen Trousers 

Ovadia & Sons Navy Cotton Shorts with a cuff

Ovadia & Sons Black Monk Straps

Sperry Suede Boat Shoes

Timex by J. Crew Military Watch

Short Vilebrequin Swim Suit

Frank Muytjens

I always love to see designers' homes because they give a firsthand account of what inspires the designers' creations, and because I'm a little nosy and like to snoop as much as I can. I especially love looking at J. Crew's Mens Design Chief, Frank Muytjens Brooklyn apartment because it's cool and sophisticated with a classic urban edge. Mr. Muytjens is a simple guy that brings no fuss into his home or his work, and that is something we should all aspire to do. His apartment has white walls clad with different photos and oversized movie posters, along with vintage wood and metal furniture. His corky sense of style, in terms of trinkets throughout is offset by the clean white walls and classic-vintage furniture. If you also like J. Crew, take a look at Jenna Lyons, Creative Director of J. Crew's, grey-hued apartment. 

Photos courtesy of Lonny Magazine

Luxe Trend Watch

Steven Alan

Here's another trend that Standard Luxe has been noticing lately. The shawl collar seems to have been in full force this last winter, and is also popping up in a couple of summer collections as well.  I feel a little weary of calling it a trend, since the design has been around for years upon years. But I guess what makes it a trend was that it was not popular two years ago, but is now coming in full force. After counting my shawl collared sweaters in my closet, I'm working with about five! I am actually known for my obsession with shawl collars at my job... Anyways, I love a shawl collar because they are the typical casual sweater, but infused with a little interest around the neck; a man's answer to a statement necklace perhaps? 

Yves Saint Laurent

Ovadia & Sons

Ovadia & Sons

Banana Republic

J. Crew

Ben Sherman

Standard Issue

Grey is Great, Part II

I recently discussed Francisco Costa's grey-hued apartment, and now I've found J. Crew's Creative Director, Jenna Lyons' apartment which also has rich grey tones throughout the New York City home. The vintage apartment in New York City is sparse but still feels comforting because it has beautiful antiques spread around the rooms, mixed with modern touches such as the light above the bed in the dark grey bedroom. The subtle pops of color around the apartment add a little sass to the space, and the natural elements throughout the home makes it feel comfortable and luxurious. If you don't remember, Mr. Costa is the creative director at Calvin Klein, so soothing grey must be a trend among people in fashion. If you would like to see other fashion designer's home, you can check out American Fashion Deisgners At Home by Assouline. 

Photos courtesy of frenchbydesign.com 

J. Crew Liquor Store

From their first catalog in 1983, J. Crew has always been innovative while giving their customer a classic American style that caters to most. In recent years, J. Crew has expanded at a rate of wonder, opening up an enormous amount of stores all around the world. But New York City is where J. Crew focuses their attention for their sartorial-minded customer, opening a series of specialty boutiques, including the J. Crew Liquor Store which is a super luxe men’s shop for the quintessential J. Crew male customer. The king-of-cool, Andy Spade of Partners & Spade was picked to consult on the space, which was an actual liquor store and bar, but since converted into a chic men’s store with a comfortable feel that mimics J. Crew’s classic clothes. The store is covered in dark paneled walls, and filled with lush leather chairs, a model ship adds a bit of interest to slender space along with a miniature airplane built from beer cans. The oriental rugs in the den are topped with bookshelves stacked with manly classics including Hemingway and Kerouac. All of the items in the store are displayed in a way that makes them feel like they're decoration of the space, and my favorite thing in the store is the Globe-Trotter luggage that is scattered around the store being used as displays, and also available to purchase. Andy Spade did a magnificent job styling the space, and J. Crew does a magnificent job filling the space with things to buy, including Thomas Mason appear. Also Alden wingtips, Doria hats are displayed upon the original bar, and jewel-tone ties are stuffed into lowball glasses staying true to the original liquor store.

Images courtesy of acontinouslean.com